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PHOTO GALLERY (24)

Sinners and Saints Swamp Buggy

If you have ever picked up a copy of any biker magazine, chances are you’ve either heard the name or seen the work of this talented individual. The owner of this one-of-a-kind custom swamp buggy is best known for this talent as an artist and world-class airbrusher. Chris “Bones” Tolson, the 37-year-old South Floridian, grew up around all things automotive. When he’s not spending time behind the airbrush gun you can find him in the woods on this custom Palm Beach–style buggy.

Bones is no stranger to the mud scene. Growing up with the everglades as his childhood playground, he has spent many a weekend on full tracks and swamp buggies chasing wild game through the palmetto heads. When it came time to build his latest creation, Bones knew that he had to get his creative juices flowing and come up with something that would blow people’s mine. This buggy does just that.

With over 500 hours of custom airbrush work adorning the frame and chassis, Bones has truly brought the theme “sinners and saints” to life. Sporting a custom straight frame mounted to a set of Rockwell 2½-ton militaries, there ain’t many places this buggy can’t go. With over 53 inches of rubber courtesy of Titan 23.1x26 R1 tractor tires and with custom one-off rims, this machine make running through Florida’s uncharted terrains seem like child’s play.

For power Chris opted to use a small-block Chevy 355 mounted to a Turbo 400 transmission with a Profab gear reduction transfer case. With the gear ratios set just right, this buggy quite literally can go or float anywhere it wants. Yes, you read that correctly: This Florida wild man is known for floating the canals of South Florida in this monster.

We’ve seen buggies come in many shapes and sizes over the years. They started out as farm implements transformed by sheerer necessity for farmers and swamp people back in the early 1900s. Sinners & Saints is a far cry from the days of old. Staying true to the Palm Beach style of buggy with its sleek lines and aggressive appearance, Chris has built one of the most impressive buggies we have ever seen. Taking down First Place awards show after show. Bones has definitely set the par for many to follow. Check out his work online at www.facebook.com/Bonestolson